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Friday, September 20, 2013

Fabric Options for Butterick 5953

When my Butterick pattern designs are released, I'm excited as anyone--mostly because I can finally sew the garments for myself instead of a model! I don't have a lot of free sewing time these days with those 35 garments for the book, but I'm determined to make Butterick 5953 soon. So I thought I'd let you in on my fabric selection process.

The pattern envelope recommends "woolens, crepe, taffeta, linen, broadcloth." For the sample garment in the photos, I used a thin stretch wool gingham suiting for the body and a light weight black wool gabardine for the contrast fabric.

The two most important fabric issues to consider for this design are comfort and thickness. The dress is unlined, so you'll want something that feels nice against the skin. And because there are two layers of garment wrapping over each other in the front (plus facings), you'll want to avoid anything too bulky.

I came up with two options. The first is a wonderful Marc Jacobs blue wool crepe with sparkly black polka dots from Mood.

I would use black cotton sateen for the contrast and shiny black buttons.

The second option is a purple doubleknit. I love the color!

I would pair it with an ivory contrast fabric and vintage-y ivory buttons. I love this color combo; the ivory is much softer than black contrast.

I'm leaning toward the purple since it has better drape and is thinner and softer against the skin. Of course, the sparkly dot wool crepe would need to be made into something else, soon!

I love this pattern - definitely on my to-sew list. I personally love the blue polka dot fabric, but then again I've always been partial to wool, blue, and polka dots. Both would look great, and I can't wait to see your finished dress!

Gertie, quite a while ago you posted some extremely helpful information on undergarments. Can you direct us to this post again? Especially because dresses are often unlined and one can't seem to find decent undergarments. Am I recalling a pattern you designed for a full slip? XOXO Jennifer

I was looking up some patterns a few days ago and saw your jacket pattern at the front of the Butterick selection!re "slips" - I call them petticoats, and I've just bought one in our local market (SW France.) They're called combinaisons here. Slips are brief knickers or men's underpants!

That blue and gold fabric looks amazing! Both colours will look stunning with your vibrant hair colour. I love your website, and therefore resently purchased your book and i love it! i'm learning so much. Your no-nonsense, to-the-point style realy appaels to me. Can't wait for your next book, but thankfully there is still a lot of time to make the dresses, skirts and blouses from your first book (and a bunch of clothes for my children). This wrap dress pattern is an 'i want it' pattern as well, but there aren't enough hours in a day.